MSE M.Eng Spotlight: Sarah Chay

Sarah Chay (M.Eng | Materials Science & Engineering, Cornell class of 2022) has explored the diverse fields of thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, ceramics and glasses within material engineering, as well as the engineering of biomaterials and polymers. Throughout her studies, she came to discover that her own particular passion was for the sustainable development of new materials at the highly-impactful industrial level.

“I think one of the most powerful ways engineers can make a purposeful change in the world is through creating solutions for a sustainable future.” Chay instructs.

Chay is already leaving her positive mark upon the world through her partnership with AeroShield - https://www.aeroshield.tech/ , a company that’s aiming to reduce significant energy loss by engineering an insulating window solution. AeroShield’s aerogel insert, which can be retrofitted within two pre-existing panes of window glass, is 50% more effective than previous insulation technology on the market.

Perfection of the exact chemical recipe and necessary drying conditions for this in-development new material is exciting to Chay to contribute towards because she can see the product’s immediate potential real-world impact; the heating and cooling of homes and work spaces is currently a 50 billion dollar industry according to NewsCenter.gov, and a product like AeroShield’s aerogel insert has the potential to result in huge energy savings for both multi-million dollar corporations, as well as fixed-income retirees who might be struggling to afford home heating costs each winter. Additionally, the benefit to the environment of such huge energy savings would have a significant impact on the next generation.

Chay has spent her semester in partnership with AeroShield by systematically testing and gathering data about a newer version of the astrogel. The improved model has significantly higher visual clarity, reduced shrinkage during drying, and reduced warping and cracking. Chay’s analysis and testing of the material will contribute directly to how soon it may be able to go into industrial production.

After completion of her project with AeroShield, Chay hopes to further contribute a positive impact upon the world by uniting her passion for sustainably engineered materials with the expanding world of fashion, beauty, and design. “I would like to create high quality clothes, shoes, or consumer products sustainably. I think my individual happiness will derive from feeling like I’m making a difference while doing something I love.”

Chay also has an eye towards systemic change within the traditional male-dominated and logic-driven fields of engineering.

“As a female engineer, I believe I have a large role to play in amplifying minority voices in my field. My involvement with SWE has helped me encourage young women to pursue careers in STEM so that our future problem-solvers will work in a more diverse and inclusive space.”

She continues, “While I may not be the most technically knowledgeable on my project teams, I believe my contributions are still valuable because I am emotionally intelligent. I have a high level of understanding of people, which is sometimes rare in engineering fields. I am intuitive and empathetic, and I use these traits to highlight voices [ - as well as concepts and ideas - ] that may not always be heard.”

“My biggest occupational weakness is my lack of experience,” explains Chay. “Entering into this program has been a main step in improving this condition, as it has allowed me to gain hands-on experience through both my industry project and future internship.”